Panasonic has developed the "Space Player", a new type of lighting equipment that combines the functions of traditional lighting and video projectors to create new options in spatial lighting for the ambient lighting market.

The device realizes a new concept of "projection lighting," utilizing projected visuals for lighting to create a wide variety of ambient lighting possibilities. Using a remote control, the Space Player can switch from "lighting mode" and "projector mode". The device utilizes a laser as the light source, realizing a lifetime of 20,000 hours (when brightness falls to 50% of the original level).

The new projection spotlight can light up an object while projecting video or product descriptions onto the surrounding space, or capture the attention of customers on a product on display through moving illuminations.

Space Player has the shape of a spotlight, allowing it to fit in any surroundings. It also adopts a wiring duct installation method, a structure where the lighting direction can be freely changed and the ability to playback from SD cards or over a Wi-Fi network.

Along with the Space Player unit, Panasonic will try to promote its ambient lighting solutions by offering the Space Player in combination with its suite of other lighting products. Panasonic will also offer video content for the Space Player to meet the needs of its customers - everything from hardware (manufacture and sale of lighting fixtures) to software (space design proposals by using its proprietary software technologies like "Feu").

The Space Player will go on sale in Japan from July 1, 2014.

Through the creation of a new projection lighting market, the company will aim to achieve sales of 20 billion yen for its whole ambient lighting business, including the Space Player, by fiscal year 2019 ending March 31, 2019.